SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Nov 12: The denizens in Ranchi have been purchasing winter wear at the Potala market every year for over 50 years. Some even missed it last year due to a venue change and mentioned it to the shop owners there.
Meanwhile, every Tibetan business owner at the market also feels a deep connection with the city. Several families that set up shops here have been visiting the city for three generations. Some even claim to have been born in Ranchi and spent their childhood in the city.
A senior stall owner P Dolma said, “Ranchi is not just a business place for me but like a janmabhumi. I have a deep attachment to this city. This city has helped me earn and raise my family. I also have a farm to work at back home. I have been visiting here since 1972, and now the third generation of my family has visited.”
When asked about the changes that she has observed over the years, she said, “There have been changes over the years. Till 1978, things were different; they changed once again in 85 and then in 92 and then in 2000. Even now, as compared to the earlier days, demand is completely different.”
About the kind of research that they do to bring the designs, she added that the internet helps in this matter as they work to update themselves in the latest styles.
Tsering Thinley said, “I have been coming here for the past 10 years. I was even born here. This was because my father and mother were here during that time. Even my grandfather was a regular stall owner in the market in his time. Our family has been citing the market since its inception.”
“Earlier, my parents began selling the clothes on road near Firayalal and moved further to the outside of the town hall. After some time, they shifted inside the town hall for a few years. Later, the market was again shifted to the Jaipal Singh Stadium ground near Kutchery, and now we are here. This year, we have also set up another branch at HEC ground,” he added.
Regarding the changing demand for designs, and how the stallholders cope with the changing fashion, he said, “We change patterns and designs every three years, as yearly changes are not feasible. Nowadays, L, XL and XXL sizes are sold mostly.”
Jigme Woese, another visitor from a family visiting Ranchi for generations is the son of the former Director Shering Dorje said, “We have been visiting for the past three generations. We are 8 siblings, of which six brothers were born in Ranchi.
When asked about the changes in demand, he added that people now prefer long coats instead of shorter ones.
Tenzin Ihundup, while talking to the Lagatar24 correspondent said, “Since the time that we have been visiting, we have seen the city grow, the population increase and the demand change over the years. People here have become more fashionable.”
“I have been a regular visitor since 1993. My grandfather and father began the stall near Sadar Hospital, after which we shifted outside the walls near Ranchi University. The earnings have helped my family sustain and grow over the years,” he added.
When asked if they have had to replenish stock mid-tour, he said that they usually bring ample clothes to sell. However, if a stock ends and they have to order again and it may take two-three months.
Notably, over 25 families are responsible for the smooth operation of Potala Market. These families are majorly from Himachal, Dehradun, Karnataka and Odisha. Every winter, they make it a point to visit Ranchi despite wherever they are. Several also claimed that for them, it is not only a place of business but also kind of a vacation for the next four months.
